Five Questions on Finding Work in Canada

International Career Consultant Jessie Eulenberg has the answers to help you.

Finding a job in Canada after you graduate university can feel like an impossible challenge, but there are resources and support to help you, from making sure your resumé is well-written to when you should start looking for a job (hint: it might be earlier than you think!).

To help you now, International Career Consultant Jessie Eulenberg, from Wilfrid Laurier University, answers five top questions about finding work in Canada.

When should I start looking for a job?

When looking for a job, starting as early as possible is best. Many students choose to work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. Gaining experience early will help you to build the transferrable skills to be successful after you graduate.

The Laurier Career Centre has resources that can help you with looking for a job. Also, Laurier offers many club, volunteer, and paid work opportunities to help you get involved and gain the experience and skills that employers like to see.

How can I be sure I have a good resumé and cover letter?

Your resumé and cover letter are often the first thing an employer sees about you, so it’s important to present your skills and experience clearly. It’s recommended that you get guidance and support on these documents from professionals.

At Laurier, the Career Centre offers hundreds of workshops and appointments every term to support you as you build your resumé and cover letter and get ready for employment. To improve your resumé we encourage you to attend a resumé workshop, then follow up with a same-day appointment with a Career Centre peer or consultant to receive feedback specifically about your documents.

How many jobs should I apply to?

There isn’t a magic number of applications to send out to get an interview for a job. It is more important to focus on the quality of your application than the quantity of applications you send out. Each job has its own qualifications and skills required. A strong application will target your experience and skills to those required from the job posting.

Having a strong application is important but it’s also important to build your network as many jobs are gained through the hidden job market. Remember informational interviews, attending employer events, and talking to your faculty, friends, and family may provide you with a referral to the right contact for a job.

What happens if I didn’t do co-op? Will I still be able to find a good job?

Yes! Co-op is only one way to get a job and experience while at university. There are many different paths to success during your studies and after graduation.

The Career Centre offers job postings for summer, part-time, internship, and volunteer opportunities. Employer events to allow you to network with employers, and workshops and appointments to support you in finding a job. And everyone at the Career Centre is committed to your career development and success.

What support does Laurier have to help me look for work?

The Career Centre offers comprehensive career and employment support to help all students. Our staff works diligently to provide career resources, job postings, events, employer events, and individual appointments. It’s important to engage with the Career Centre in your first year to achieve optimal success. It’s never too early to start!

Learn more about studying at Wilfrid Laurier University and how your education can lead you to your dream career.